Hydraulic dredging apparatus.



PATENTED JULY 30, 1907.

J. 1). MAXWELL. HYDRAULIC DRBDGING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 21. 1906.

' 4 SHEETSSHBET 1- gvweutoz Witneoaoo 6M {@AL PA TENTED JULY 30, 1907;

- J. D. MAXWELL.

HYDRAULIC DRBDGING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 21. 1906.

4 SHEETB-BEEET 2.

Jill 'lll'l lllll llll J. D. MAXWELL. HYDRAULIC DREDGING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 21,1906.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

I 4/. 4, n I [g A? I vim eases PATENTBD JULY 30, 1907.

PATENTED JULY 30, 1907.

T L E W X A M E J 5 4 J. 1 6 00 0 N HYDRAULIC DREDGING APPARATUS.

' APPLICATION FILED NOV.21, 1906.

4 SHEETS-BREET 4.

Q/Vi in use:

0., wAsnmam/v, n. c,

JEFFERSON D. MAXWELL, OF ANDERSON, SOUTH CAROLINA.

HYDRAULIC DREDGING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 30, 1907.

Application filed November 21, 1906. Serial No. 344,525.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JEFFERSON D. MAXWELL, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at Anderson, in the county of Anderson and State ofSouth Carolina, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inHydraulic Dredging Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

results in a very convenient, simple and efficient manner.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists in theconstruction of an improved dredging or suction head and associatedparts, together with certain novel details of arrangement hereinafterdescribed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is a view, partially in vertical section, showing the manner ofinstalling my complete apparatus, at an ordinary dam. Fig. 2 is a planview of my improved dredging head. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of thehead and associated parts, part of the casing being broken away. Fig. 4is a vertical section of said head and connections; and Fig. 5 is ahorizontal sec-- tion of the head, showing the arrangement of stirrersand blades. Fig. 6 is a view, in perspective showing my preferredarrangement of supporting and operating means. Fig. 7 is a sectionalview of one of the details of construction.

As is well known, it is a common occurrence for reseryoirs, ponds, andthe like to become filled to a greater or less degree with, mud, silt,or sand, etc., which is washed down by rain and such accumulations areobjectionable, owing to the fact that they diminish the depth orcapacity, or both, of the reservoir. The common method of removing suchaccumulations, as heretofore practiced, has been to dredge them up andcarry them away, by means of diggers and pumps, driven by powerfulengines. Such a method is expensive, in that it necessitates theexpenditures of a large amount of energy or power in bodily lifting theexcavated material through considerable distances. In the presentinvention, I propose to utilize the head of the water, itself as thesource of power in performing the work of lifting and conveying thematerial, and

" merely employ a small auxiliary motor to assist in stirto verticalhinged rods 4, which project above the surface of the water. Associatedtherewith is a scow or flat boat, 2, which floats immediately above thehead 1, and which carries any suitable means, as, for instance pinions,cooperating with racks on the bars 4, for raising and lowering the head,and also a small motor, 3, of any desired type, for rotating" thevertical shaft 5, hereinafter described. Referring particularly to Figs.4 and 5, my improved dredger consists of a cylindrical casing 1, open atthe bottom, and closed at the top, and having a stand pipe 15, set ontothe center thereof, left open at the top, but closed at the bottom. I

The rods 4 are attached to either side of the casing 1 and are provided,as at 13, with hinges, whereby the casing may adjust itself to theirregularities of the lake bottom. The rods 4 are joined as by a brace14, to which, also the upper end of pipe 15 is secured. Through abearing in this brace member, and through the top of the head, at thebottom of pipe 15 the vertical shaft 5 passes, and is journaled. Thisshaft is provided with a universal joint as 6, to allow for movement ofthe head. On its lower end, near the bottom of the casing or head, theshaft 5 carries a hub, 8, to which are attached four or more radiallydisposed blades, 9, set at an angle, like fan blades. The blades arefurther held by" inner and outer brace rings, 11 and 12. Secured betweenthese rings, are four or more sets of diggers or stirrers, 10, arrangedalternately with theblades, 9, and consisting'of downwardly inclinedpoints or plows of suitable shape.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, it will be seen that the stand pipe 15 istapped at its bottom'by four horizontal pipes, 16, lying along the topof the casing 1., and each of which, in turn, branches, by means of aY-connection into two smaller pipes 17. These smaller pipes are bentdownwards over the sides of the casing 1. as clearly shown in Fig. 3,and terminate adjacent the bottom edge of the said casing. Theseconstitute relief or supply pipes, and their purpose is to supply waterto the outer edge of the suction head, in case it becomes buried in themud or sand. They thus prevent choking, and also obviate the pressure onthe head which would otherwise result from the suction within.

The suction or dredging pipes proper consist of a plurality (sixteen, asshown) of intakes, 18, protected by suitable guards, 19, to prevent theentrance of coarse material. These intakes pipes branch, in groups offour, from four other pipes 20, in the nature of flexible rubber orcanvas hose. These pipes 20 join in pairs to form other flexiblepipes21, and these, in turn, as shown in Fig. 1, finally unite as at 22to form the main suction or discharge pipe 23. This is also flexible forsome distance, to admit of proper manipulation.

Above the junction 22 is located another and smaller beat 28, or othersuitable support. In the junction 22 is arranged a gate valve 27,operated by a handwheel, 31. From the junction also rises a small pipe29, terminating above the boat in a valve 32. This arrangement is topermit of the escape or admission of air from or to the main pipe.Fitted to this pipe is a ll-connection, 30, carrying a valve, 33,opening under water, and controlled from the boat 28. The hose 23connects with a section of ordinary pipe,- 24, of any desired length,and supported by means of floats, 34. This pipe is preferably supportedin an inclined position, as shown. From its lower end, leads anotherpiece of flexible hose, 25, to the sluice gate.

35 is the dam, provided with the usual sluice gate, 36, operated by anysuitable means, shown in the present instance as a rack and pinion 37. i

38 is an auxiliary sluice gate, working against the inside of the dam,and carrying a pipe connection 39, into which the end of the hose 25 issecured. In the end of the section 25, just before it enters theconnection 39, is arranged a valve 39, controlled from the I dam bymeans of a rod 39", extending above the water.

Also fastened in this connection 39 is one end of the discharge pipe orhose 26, which extends through the gate aperture and runs down outsidethe dam.

The operation of the system is as follows: The pipe line is filled withwater by closing the valve 39 and opening valve 33, the air contained inthe pipe escaping by means of valve 32. Then, upon closing valves 32 and33 and opening valve 39 the action is started. The motor 3, (which maybe a gasolene engine or other suitable device) rotates the shaft 5, anddrives the stirrers 10, and blades 9. The mud etc. is loosened up by thestirrer, and, the water, entering under the edge of the casing 1, bothdirectly and through the branches of pipe 15, mixes with the loosematerial, and the revolving blades lift the mixture toward the mouths ofthe intake pipes 18. It will be observed that, owing to the head ofwater above the suction head, the pressure of the water will beconsiderable, and it will rush up into the intake pipes with a velocitysuflicient to easily enable it to carry along the mud, sand, etc. Theexcavated material will be driven through the main dredging pipe, 23,24, 25, and finally out through the discharge pipe 26. In thearrangement shown the force tending to urge the water through thepipeline is dependent both upon the static pressure due to an effectivehead equal to the distance from the surface of the water to the centerof connection 39, and upon the siphonic action, due to the depending endof the discharge pipe. If, however,.the water level should fall to orbelow the level of the sluice gate, the dredging action would stillcontinue, due to siphonic action alone, so long as the discharge end ofthe pipe 26 is led to a point below the water level, and the lift doesnot exceed 32 feet.

By virtue of the flexible connections21 and 23 the suction head may bemoved about as desired, as the material is removed and carried off.

In Fig. 1 of the drawing I have shown one formof float or scow andoperating means for the tank or head 1, but in practice I prefer toemploy the construction of float or scow and lifting or elevating meansshown in Figs. 6 and 7. In Fig. 6' the reference numeral 40 designates ascow having an opening or passage-way 41 throughout about one-half ofits length to permit of the passage therethrough of the outlet pipes 21,leading from the head, when the latter is elevated. Rising verticallyfrom the scow is a plurality of standards 42 having the connectingcross-pieces 43 at the top thereof. .Iournaled in two of the verticalstandards 42 is a drum 44 having fixed to one end thereof a sprocketwheel 45 over which passes a sprocket chain 46, said chain also passingover a small sprocket wheel 47 to the shaft of which is attacheda crankhandle 48 by means of which the drum 44 may be rotated. Secured to saiddrum are four lifting cables 49 each of which passes ,over a pulley 50secured to the cross-pieces 43, the

lower ends of the cables being attached to rings 51 secured to asuitable frame work 52 carried by standards 53 rising upward from thehead 1. The operating shaft 54 for operating the diggers or stirrersarranged within the head and which corresponds with the shaft 5 of theother figures, is longitudinally grooved as at 55, Fig. 7, and with thisshaft is splined a sprocket wheel 56, about which a sprocket chain 57passes, said sprocket chain being operated by any suitable form of motorto rotate the shaft. The sprocket wheel 56 is mounted upon a sphericalsupport 58 that is housed in a suitably formed casing 59, and has a ballraceway in which a series of balls 60 are freely mounted and upon whichthe spherical body 58 normally rests. The said casing '59 is secured toa well door 61 supported upon suitable cleats within the well of thescow, a sufficient space or opening 60 being provided in the bottom ofthe easing 59 and in the well door 61 to permit of a lateral or swingingmovement of the shaft 55 in all directions.

\Vhen it is desired to raise the head, this can be accomplished byrotating the crank handle 48 ina direction to wind the lifting cables 49on the drum 44, and this will tend to raise the head up through the Wellin the scow to a sufficient height to enable access to be gained to theinterior of the head for repairing or exami'ning the diggers or stirrersor for transportation purposes. The pipe line will also rise with thehead, and can be freely brought to the surface through the passageway41, above referred to, formed by the bifurcated portion of the scow orboat.

When it is desired to shut down the plant, the gate valve 27 is closed.Then, by admitting air through valve 32, the pipe line will emptyitself, and, owing to its buoyancy rise to the surface. Then, bydetaching pipe 26, and closing gate 36, auxiliary gate 38, carrying pipe25, may be hoisted to the surface, and the pipe disconnected.

It will be seen that by the above apparatus, I have provided meanswhereby dredging may be accomplished with the expenditure of very littleartificial power, and it is thought that the economy, simplicity, andefficiency of my system will be readily appreciated by those skilled inthe art.

It will be understood that where I use the word reservoir I intend toinclude any natural or artificial body of water whatsoever. 7

I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent:--

1. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head comprising acasing, and means for supplying water to the lower edge of said casing.

2. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head,

suction pipes extending therefrom and tending to produce a vacuumtherein, and hydraulic means acting around the lower edge of the headfor preventing undue pressure on the same.

3. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head consisting of aclosed casing, a stand pipe rising verti cally therefrom and openingunder water, and relief pipes extending from the stand pipes, andterminating adjacent the lower edge of said casing.

4. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head, suction pipesextending therefrom, means for supplying water around the lower edge ofsaid head and means Within said suction head fpr loosening up thematerial to be excavated.

5. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head open at the bottom,suction or intake pipes projecting thereinto and extending therefrom,and motor driven stirring means arranged within said suction head, andcomprising diggers adapted to act on the material below said head.

6. In combination, a suction head, a suitable support arranged above thesame, hinged members connecting said head with said support, stirrers insaid suction head operated by a "ertical shaft having a universal joint,and a motor carried by said support and arranged to drivesaid shaft.

7. In a suction head, a plurality of intake pipes projecting downwardlythereinto, and means within said head for lifting the excavated materialtoward said intake pipes.

S. In a suction head, a casing, intake pipes extending downwardlythereinto, and rotating means arranged in said casing comprisingalternate radially disposed diggers and inclined blades, whereby thematerial to be excavated is both loosened up and lifted toward theintake pipes.

i). In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a main flexible suction pipesupported under water by means of floats, a suction head, and aplurality of branch suction pipes extending from said main pipe, andterminating in said suction head.

10. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus depending for its action, upon thenatural head of water, a suction pipe consisting of suitable sectionsmeans for supporting the same, in a substantially siphonicconfiguration, and suitable air and water pipes and valves attached tosaid suction pipe at its highest point, whereby the operation of theapparatus may be controlled, without the use of pumps.

11. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus depending for its action, upon thenatural head of water, a flexible discharge pipe, and means for leadingsaid pipe through a dam or the like, comprising double sluice gatesoperating to close the same orifice in the dam, and to one of whichthedischarge pipe is detachably connected.

12. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head, water inlet andoutlet pipes therefor, said outlet pipe terminating in a plurality ofbranches, a junction box in said pipe, and a valve in said junction box.

13. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head, water inlet andoutlet pipes therefor, said outlet pipe lying entirely under water, andterminating in a plurality of branches, a junction box in said pipe, avalve in said junction box, and a vent pipe also connecting with saidjunction box and extending above the surface of the water.

14. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head, inlet and outletpipes therefor, said outlet pipe lying entirely under water andcontaining a junction box, a valve in said junction box, a water supplyand vent pipe also connecting with said junction box, valves in saidpipe, a boat or other suitable support above said junction box, andmeans for controllingan of said valves from said support.

15. In a suction head, a casing, a standpipe projecting upwardlytherefrom and opening under water, a plurality of branch pipes extendingfrom said stand pipe, and each of said branch pipes being provided witha plurality of branches diverging therefrom.

16. In a suction head, a casing adapted to rest on the bottom of areservoir, a stand pipe opening under water extending verticallytherefrom and provided with a plurality of branches, said branches beingbent over the sides of said casing, and terminating adjacent its loweredge.

17. In a suction head, a casing, water outlet pipes connecting therewithand terminating, in said casing, in a plurality of groups, each groupcomprising a plurality of suction pipes.

18. In :1 suction head, a casing, water outlet pipes connectingtherewith and terminating in said casing in a pinrality of groups, eachgroup comprising a plurality of suction pipes, each suction pipe beingprovided with a suitable foraminous guard.

19. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a flexible pipe, having one endextending beyond a bank of the reservoir being dredged, and having itsother end connected with a vertically movable suction head, and a scowarranged above said head and provided with a well, and passagewayopening from said well through the end of said scow, through which welland passageway the suction head and connected pipe may be verticallylifted.

20. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head, power drivenstirrers therein, a scow arranged to support said head, and a shaftattached to said stirrers and mounted in said scow by means of a journalhaving universal movement.

21. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head, a floatingsupport therefor, motor driven stirring means ar ranged within saidhead. and a power transmitting shaft extending between said head andsaid support, said shaft being universally journaled in said support andalso provided with a universal joint, whereby its operation is notinterfered with by displacements of said support.

22. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a'scow, dredging means supportedthereby, a shaft for operating said dredging means journaled in saidscow, the journal com prising a spherical member, a casing therefor, androlling members, arranged between said spherical member and said casing,whereby free rocking movement is permitted, between said shaft and scow.

23. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a suction head, a supporttherefor, a well in said support through which said head may be hoisted,and hoisting means carried by said support comprising a drum, and aplurality of cables connected with said head and adapted to be wound onsaid 24. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus, a support, a suction headarranged thereunder, stirring means in said head, a shaft connected withsaid stirring means and extending through said support, a universallymounted journal in said support for said shaft, and a driving sprocketslidably mounted on said shaft.

25. In a hydraulic dredging apparatus depending for its operation onsiphonic action, a suction pipe consisting of suitable sectionssupported by means of floats in a substantially siphonic configuration,and air and water pipes and valves attached to said suction pipe at itshighest point, whereby the operation of the apparatus may be controlled.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

JEFFERSON D. MAXVELL.

Witnesses .T. GRANVILLE Mnrnns, 'Gno. W. REA.

